New research released today by Veritas Technologies shows that confusion over generative AI in the workplace is simultaneously creating a divide between employees while also increasing the risk of exposing sensitive information. More than two-thirds (68%) of Australian office workers acknowledged using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT at work—including risky behaviour like inputting customer details, employee information and company financials. However, over one in five not only do not use these tools, but even think their coworkers’ pay should be docked for using them to assist with work (21%). Regardless of their disposition toward using generative AI, 93% said guidelines and policies on its use are important, but only 32% of employers currently provide any mandatory usage directions to employees.
Pete Murray, Managing Director of ANZ at Veritas, said: “When employers don’t provide guidance on how to use generative AI appropriately at work, or even whether it should be used at all, it can create a ‘Wild West’ of AI cowboys — where some employees are using generative AI in risky ways, some hesitate to use it at all, and others resent their colleagues for doing so. It’s not an ideal situation for anyone, especially employers, who could face regulatory compliance penalties or miss out on ways to increase efficiency for their people. To resolve this, employers should be proactively issuing effective generative AI guidelines and policies, to set expectations and boundaries on what’s acceptable and what isn’t.”
Key findings from the report reveal:
Over two-thirds (68%) of Australians are already using generative AI tools at work, such as ChatGPT and Bard.
This includes risky behaviour like inputting customer details, employee information and company financials. Roughly a quarter (24%) of office workers admitted to inputting potentially sensitive information like customer details, employee information and company financials into generative AI tools.
However, over one in five not only do not use these tools, but even think their coworkers’ pay should be docked for using them to assist with work (21%).
This comes as Aussie employees concede that they do not fully trust generative AI.
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- When asked about the risks involved in using generative AI at work, 47% said they could leak sensitive information, 44% said they could generate incorrect or inaccurate information, and 43% cited the compliance risks associated.
- In fact, for work-related information, Australians remain far more likely to reach out to their in-person connections – be it work colleagues (70%) or line managers (68%), and even personal family or friends (33%). Comparatively, only 27% said they would turn to ChatGPT or Bard.
Regardless of their disposition toward using generative AI, Aussie employees want generative AI guidelines and policies.
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- 93% said guidelines and policies on its use are important, but only 32% of employers currently provide any mandatory usage directions to employees.
Despite the rhetoric around AI and jobs, Aussie employees do not think generative AI will replace their roles anytime soon. 40% of Australian workers say they do not believe their employer will replace roles in the next three years because AI is less secure.
